Footnote from the Old Boy!

I am sorry that this was not attached to the previous issue from Jackie but I was not allowed to add it for 'Technical Reasons'!! It would seem that the general opinion was that I made Jackie the subject of most of the humour in the last reflections so I am going to turn the tables this time just to prove what a fair soul I am. This is a reflection on our journeys from the North to the South of South Island NZ along the West coast.

Having arrived in Picton which was stunning,we moved on to Abel Tasman which is beautiful in a different way but for those of you who haven't been you never go far without climbing an enormous hill which I attribute to the All Blacks success! On one particular day we had gone to a very lovely beach and travelled through vineyards and orchards and finally through pine forests on some very steep and rocky climbs. On the return I got confused as we left the forested section and turned right rather than left (no correction by the navigator I hasten to add!) Well, we climbed and climbed and my suspicions grew when we eventually came to sign indicating that we were approaching Upper Takaka which is about 2000M above sea level and one of the highest peaks in the area. I think our motorised roller skate (Daihatsu Sirion with 200,000km on the clock) was just about to go into orbit!!

NZ roads have few signs and even less petrol stations. Those of you who know me well are aware that I never start a longish journey without a full tank and do not like having less than a quarter of a tank ever, Our car has a gauge which shows 8 sectors which disappear as the tank goes down, on one journey we started from a very remote point called Granity in the North West of the Island and were only travelling about 120Km to our next stop so the 'risk asssessment' was done and we had four full bars available so off we go! The first sector dropped off in the first ten minutes and as we approached our destination, but not knowing how far we had to go the gauge started to frantically flash on the last sector. We were now in forested mountainous country with trucks and all other manner of hazards and no reference to any inhabitation. Well, with a gentle right foot we made it, but it will be full tank from now on!

With a full tank and renewed confidence we continued to our destination that day and as we came around a bend we were confronted with a sectional steel bridge that was about 100M long, was one way only with priority to oncoming traffic. To increase the risk the road bridge was shared with the railway! To see through the bridge I had to move into a holding bay on the wrong side of the rail lines and was confronted by oncoming traffic, the last vehicle being a warning truck for wide load convoy which was approaching on the far side. With only tiny clearances the truck took about 5-6 minutes to cross and all the time I was expecting a train to arrive which would never have past me in the tiny holding bay. We obviously survived but it was a demonstration of the driving hazards here!

I was determined to complete the whole round the world trip in shorts but have to admit to failure. Last week we stayed in a remote hut in the middle of a forest, which I am sure Jackie has described. Despite being coated in insect repellant I was decimated by mosquitos and other little black bugs which bit like little needles. Having been the bushman on the first night with open fire in the brazier I sealed myself in denims and a rugby shirt on the second! I am still waiting for the scars to heal.

One fabulous moment! On the Haast Pass which is amazing and comprises steep climbs and drops with sheer rock faces, forest sections and numerous turns and bends we were caught up by a group of Ducati enthusiasts, What I wouldn't have given to exchange my Daihatsu for one of those, the noise was just amazing!!

Lastly, I have to wish Han a very special day for her 30th Birthday and hope that she, Matt and Bertie are all having a wonderful time down in their cottage in West Wales. Lots of love and sorry that we had to be about the furthest we could be from you on your special day. I am sure we will make it up for your 30.5 when we are in France later in the year. Have a wonderful time.xxxx

All the best to you all. take care and we will update you as we go on.